Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) say that by 2015 it will have developed a natural-gas-powered vessel engine that emits 30% less carbon dioxide than conventional models, WSJ reports.
MHI say the improvements will come from more efficient burning of high-pressure gas through direct injection.
The report said that the engine will cost more than its conventionally fueled equivalent, but that cost will be offset by reduced fuel expenses and a reduced environmental footprint that will see sulfur emissions at "effectively zero," in addition to the reduced CO2 emissions.
Tests are expected to start in late 2013 at MHI's shipyard in Kobe.
The engine is intended for use in liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers, large tankers, and containerships.
In September French container line CMA CGM S.A. (CMA CGM) said it was working with Korea's Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. (DSME) to develop a LNG powered container ship.
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